Here's what's new: Bylaws, New Comms Team, Candidacy Filing and of course, COVID-19 🌎


** Executive Committee Adopts New Bylaws
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Hi Fellow Young Democrat,

We are excited to share the great news with you! As of this week, the Executive Committee unanimously adopted new bylaws to govern our organization. Special thanks to Matthew Kochevar, Chair of our Rules Committee and National Committee Representative for his hard work on ensuring our organization continues to be governed by strong values. Additionally, this could not have been done without the help of President Daqavise, Secretary James Wells, and 6th District Chair Ethan Hudson for their drafting efforts.
Here is a summary of the changes:
* Updated the purpose and mission of the Indiana Young Democrats in a new Preamble.
* The next election for officers will occur at the 2020 state party convention. Those elected will serve a one year term. After this year we will have our own separate state convention to be held in odd-numbered years where we will elect new officers to a two-year term.
* We will require all officers to take an oath and be held accountable to that oath. All oaths will be in writing and kept by the Secretary in an oath book.
* Permanently established the role of Executive Director, Director of Communications, Director of Campaigns, Directors of Political Affairs, and Director of Technology as appointed offices with specific duties and responsibilities.
* We added new officer positions to lead on chapter recruitment and legislation at the statehouse.
* Established new constituency caucuses in addition to the college and high school: Black, Hispanic, LGBTQ+, Women, and Labor.
* Establish the process for creating a delegate selection plan to any YDA National Convention with a metric for ensuring diversity in the delegation.
* A census of the membership shall be taken each odd-numbered year to gather information on the makeup of our members. Participation in the census is optional and any response from any individual is confidential and cannot be attributed back to the individual responding to the census.
* Established an Ethics Committee for the enforcement of holding our membership and officers to high standards established in our bylaws.
* Will now institute sexual harassment, sexual assault, and domestic violence policies to root out this behavior and culture from our organization.

Read our bylaws ([link removed])


** IYD Appoints New Communications Team
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Our Executive Committee is committed to showcasing what IYD stands for and spreading our message across the state. To continue our efforts, we are excited to announce the appointment of our new leadership for our communications teams. Kyleigh Cramer will take over as Communications Director and Austin Matheny as Deputy Communications Director.

Interested in joining the Communications Committee? Reach out to us for more details. (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Communications%20Committee)


** Kyleigh Kramer, Delaware County Young Democrats
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My name is Kyleigh Cramer (she/her/hers). Though I was born in Illinois, I have gained a lot of Hoosier pride. I am a proud senior at Ball State University with a major in public relations and a double minor in campaign communications and sociology. Outside of my schoolwork, I can be seen representing my Cardinal pride at Scheumann Stadium, Worthen Arena, or around the Muncie community as I am a member of the Code Red Dance Team. I show my love for Ball State as a campus tour guide in which I guide potential Cardinals around the place I call home.


** Austin Matheny, St. Joseph County Young Democrats
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Austin is a values-driven progressive and member of the St. Joseph County Young Democrats. Austin intends to communicate the values of the Democratic Party to Hoosiers of all ages, especially those discovering their political identity during this tumultuous moment in our shared history. He currently serves as Campaign Manager for Ellen Marks' bid for US Congress in Indiana's 2nd District and he previously served as the Executive Director for the St. Joseph County Democratic Party. Prior to his time with the St. Joseph County Democratic Party, Austin was a Field Organizer for the Indiana Democratic Party in the southeastern section of St. Joseph County which includes Mishawaka, Osceola, and parts of South Bend. Austin also currently serves as the Political Director for the Environmental Caucus of Young Democrats of America.

Austin has lived in the East Race neighborhood of South Bend, Indiana since graduating from Notre Dame in 2018. He loves his girlfriend, his country, his party, and his alma mater, in that order.


** IYD State Convention: File your candidacy
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As members, it is our main duty to elect those who lead our organization and work toward our goals and mission. This summer at the IYD State Convention, you'll be able to cast your vote or step up to the plate and lead us. As such, we are excited to announce with our accepting candidacy filing for the following positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, National Committee Representatives, and ALL Nine Congressional District Chairs.

To be considered, you must follow the procedures outline below. Applications open today and will remain open until 45 days prior to the election date.

Submit a written declaration of candidacy to the Secretary no sooner than ninety (90) days and no later than forty-five (45) days prior to the date of the election.

The office of President and Vice President shall be elected jointly as a ticket. A candidate for President and Vice President running on the same ticket shall be of different gender identities and shall submit a joint written declaration of candidacy to the Secretary of the Indiana Young Democrats no sooner than ninety (90) days and no later than forty-five (45) days prior to the date of the election. The Secretary may not accept a written declaration of candidacy from a candidate for President that does not indicate a running mate for Vice President or from a candidate for Vice President that does not indicate a running mate for President.

The Secretary shall gather and maintain the following information for each candidate seeking to hold an elected position within the Indiana Young Democrats:
* The candidate’s name.
* Written Declaration of candidacy.
* The office the candidate has filed for.
* The chapter the candidate is a member of.
* The candidate’s mailing address, contact phone number, and email address.
* The candidate’s date of birth.

Get Started (mailto:[email protected]?subject=IYD%20Candidacy%20Filing%20)


** COVID-19: What you need to know.
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* Watch for symptoms ([link removed])
* Protect yourself ([link removed])
* Stop the spread of germs ([link removed])
* What to do if you're sick ([link removed])

New data ([link removed]) shows young people are at risk. Stay up to date and follow local and state guidelines.
Learn More ([link removed])


** Time to renew your pledge.
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With a new year comes time for dues. As an organization, we rely on you as a member and our supporters in order to fight for young Democrats across the state. Simply submit an easy $5 for the year to keep your IYD membership up-to-date.
Get Started ([link removed])


** For your information...
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** Keep Calm and Vote By Mail!
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Gov. Eric Holcomb announced today that Indiana will be moving the primary election from May 5 to June 2. ([link removed]) Holcomb and Secretary of State Connie Lawson and the leaders of the Indiana Republican and Democratic parties made the announcement at 11:30 a.m. today. All deadlines would be moved forward 28 days for the June 2 primary. For example, overseas ballots would be due 45 days before the primary.

All Hoosiers would have the option to mail-in ballots.

Step 1: Download the correct form here ([link removed]) .
Step 2: Print, fill out and return the form.
Step 3: Mail to the address listed on the form (Page 2).
Step 4: That's it -- You're done! Expect your ballot in the mail. Cast your vote and mail back.
Get Started ([link removed])


** Get involved near you!
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** Upcoming Events:
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Given the current status of COVID-19, the Indiana Democratic Party advised county parties and campaigns to halt non-essential events for two weeks. Also, advising campaigns to conduct voter contact virtually for two weeks. Keep up with campaigns and other county activities in your area who might be conducting virtual activities. Read more here
([link removed]) .
June 2 - Primary Election Day ([link removed])
June 13 - State Convention ([link removed])

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